I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed;At first there blows a gentle breezeAnd the leaves on the treesSoftly flutter or sway;Out there, far away,The bells of water carriers incessantly ring;I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed;Then suddenly birds fly by,Flocks of birds, high up, in a hue and cryWhile nets are drawn in the fishing groundsAnd a woman’s feet begin to dabble in the water.I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.The Grand Bazaar is serene and cool,A hubbub at the hub of the market,Mosque yards are brimful of pigeons,At the docks while hammers bang and clangSpring winds bear the smell of sweat;I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed;Still giddy since bygone bacchanals,A seaside mansion with dingy boathouses is fast asleep,Amid the din and drone of southern winds, reposed,I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.Now a dainty girl walks by on the sidewalk:Cusswords, tunes and songs, malapert remarks;Something falls on the ground out of her hand,It’s a rose I guess.I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed;A bird flutters round your skirt;I know your brow is moist with sweatAnd your lips are wet.A silver moon rises beyond the pine trees:I can sense it all in your heart’s throbbing.I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes